How to Identify AM/FM Car Radio Wires

Several wires connect to a car radio. Knowing how to identify them can help in troubleshooting or with upgrading a factory stereo. Manufacturers use various color codes for wires; fortunately the color codes for most consumer vehicles and stereo brands are published online. Most factory radios will have 12 or more wires connected to them. Often all of the wires will be connected to a mounting connector or clip that plugs into the radio.

• 1

  Locate a color code for the vehicle. These are easily found online (see Resources). If you can't find the information in the Resources section, perform an internet search by typing the the make of your car and "stereo color codes" in your favorite search engine. Alternatively many owner's manuals come with wire color codes listed.

• 2

  Locate the antenna wire. This is usually be thicker than the other wires. It will be on its own and not part of the connector to the stereo. Many stereos label the antenna port on the rear panel.

• 3

  Purchase a technical manual for the vehicle or stereo, or a wire color coding book. All of these documents will answer the wire color code question.